Government is pursuing a raft of legislative reforms aimed at modernising Zimbabwe’s health sector, with proposed changes to medicines regulation, family planning and the advertising of health services expected to reshape how healthcare providers operate.
Speaking at the High Level Health Sector Coordination Forum in Harare, yesterday, Dr Mombeshora said amendments to the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act, the National Family Planning Council Act and regulations governing the advertising of health services were under consideration.
“Other legislative reforms remain under consideration, including amendments to the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act, the National Family Planning Council Act and regulations governing the advertising of health services,” Mombeshora said.
He said the proposed changes were intended to strengthen the regulatory environment governing the health sector and ensure that legislation kept pace with the country’s healthcare needs.
“These reforms are intended to create a modern, responsive and equitable health sector that protects the public interest while supporting innovation and responsible private sector participation,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said collaboration in the health sector must be anchored on national priorities, transparency and equity, warning against approaches that prioritise narrow interests over the welfare of citizens.
“All collaboration must be guided by national priorities, transparency, equity and the overriding responsibility to serve the public good.
Health is a public good and said policy decisions should be guided by the protection of life, human dignity and equitable access to quality healthcare,” he added.
The minister also stressed that health outcomes could not be improved through medical interventions alone, highlighting the importance of factors such as access to clean water and sanitation.
“Zimbabwe has a strong foundation from which to build a sustainable health system but required disciplined implementation of policies and collective ownership among stakeholders.
What is required now is disciplined implementation, collective ownership and unwavering commitment,” Dr Mombeshora added.
The proposed overhaul comes as Zimbabwe begins implementing its National Health Strategy, with Government seeking to strengthen coordination among public institutions, development partners, private healthcare providers, civil society, professional bodies and communities.
